MICK McCarthy has been handed a massive boost in his Premier League preparations with the news Nenad Milijas will not have to join up with the Serbian national team next week.

The 26-year-old had expected to have to fly to South Africa for next Wednesday’s friendly, just three days before he is due to make his Premier League debut.

But McCarthy has been in touch with Serbia’s coach Raddy Antic and the former Luton town midfielder has agreed to allow Milijas to concentrate on the game with West Ham a week tomorrow.

That will come as a great relief to McCarthy given the fact Milijas has been brought in to provide a creative spark in the Wolves midfield, while the player himself wants to make a big impression in his first competitive match since moving from Red Star Belgrade.

“The gaffer called Antic many times and asked him if I could stay here,” Milijas told the Birmingham Mail.

“I spoke with Antic and told him this is my first game in the Premier League and it’s important.

“Normally the most important thing for me is the national team but we are playing a friendly game against South Africa.

“It’s a long way away and I have already flown to Australia this summer. It’s too much so my coach said I can stay and play here.

“I am very pleased, I am so glad because I really want to play that first game.”

And Milijas has been assured his request will not hinder his future selection.

“It is OK for the future,” he said.

“I know I have played well for Serbia. In the last five games we have done very well in qualification. It won’t be a problem.”

McCarthy may not be in the clear yet, however. While Milijas will remain in the Midlands to prepare for the Hammers’ visit, most of his team-mates will be spread around the continent.

Wayne Hennessey, Dave Edwards and Sam Vokes will be in Montenegro with Wales while Andy Keogh, Kevin Doyle and Kevin Foley face Australia with Ireland.

Christophe Berra’s Scotland travel to Norway for a World Cup qualifier.